News for 'Essential Services'

ALERT! December 2024 Money Deadlines You Must Know

ALERT! December 2024 Money Deadlines You Must Know

Rediff.com9 Dec 2024

By acting now, you can step into 2025 with your finances in order and without unnecessary penalties.

Fighting digital fraud: From KYC processes to advanced authentication

Fighting digital fraud: From KYC processes to advanced authentication

Rediff.com10 Feb 2025

In today's rapidly evolving digital payment landscape, security concerns remain a top priority for stakeholders across sectors.

'Google Wallet' for Android users in India launched

'Google Wallet' for Android users in India launched

Rediff.com8 May 2024

Tech titan Google on Wednesday launched the Google Wallet app for Android users in India, allowing them to securely store essentials like boarding passes, loyalty cards, event tickets, and public transport passes. The digital wallet, which becomes operational in India from Wednesday, comes as a complementary service to existing payment app Google Pay, a top official said.

Maha polls: Will Mumbai voters show up for a record turnout?

Maha polls: Will Mumbai voters show up for a record turnout?

Rediff.com20 Nov 2024

Mumbai, home to 1 crore voters and 420 candidates vying for 36 assembly seats, is gearing up for the Maharashtra Assembly elections on November 20. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has completed all preparations for smooth conduct of the polls, ensuring a robust security arrangement and dedicated facilities for senior citizens and differently-abled voters. The BMC has also urged citizens to exercise their franchise, emphasizing the importance of active participation in strengthening democracy.

RBI's inflation caution may halt FMCG rally

RBI's inflation caution may halt FMCG rally

Rediff.com11 Oct 2024

The Reserve Bank of India's (RBI's) caution on inflation, highlighted during the recent monetary policy meeting, may put investors' faith in fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) stocks to test, analysts said. They, however, believe FMCG stocks may ride through this near-term investor anxiety as related companies are, typically, well-equipped to handle inflation due to their pricing power and steady demand for essential goods.

Delhi services bill: Tharoor says coercive federalism exists; Lekhi hits back

Delhi services bill: Tharoor says coercive federalism exists; Lekhi hits back

Rediff.com4 Aug 2023

Tharoor argued that the proposed bill represents a "grave chapter in the history of the Indian republic, seeking to ratify an ordinance that in many ways is an assault on our democratic heritage and the spirit of federalism."

Services sector pushes India's Q1 GDP growth to four-quarter high of 7.8%

Services sector pushes India's Q1 GDP growth to four-quarter high of 7.8%

Rediff.com31 Aug 2023

India recorded economic growth of 7.8 per cent in the April-June quarter of 2023-24 against 13.1 per cent in the year-ago period, as per the National Statistical Office (NSO) data released on Thursday. India remains the fastest-growing major economy as China's GDP growth in the April-June quarter was 6.3 per cent.

Explained: Supreme Court's Property Judgment

Explained: Supreme Court's Property Judgment

Rediff.com14 Nov 2024

'A rigid or overly broad interpretation could lead to a chilling effect on investments and growth in sectors traditionally driven by private initiative.' 'Entrepreneurs may fear that their assets could be arbitrarily appropriated by the State under the guise of serving the 'common good' without sufficient legal safeguards.' 'The judgment thus supports a more nuanced view, one that balances individual property rights with public welfare objectives.'

Bengal junior doctors resume 'total cease work'

Bengal junior doctors resume 'total cease work'

Rediff.com1 Oct 2024

Agitating junior doctors in West Bengal resumed their indefinite 'total cease work' on Tuesday to press for various demands, including ensuring their safety and security at all medical establishments.

Delhi stampede: Oppn slams govt, seeks Vaishnaw's resignation

Delhi stampede: Oppn slams govt, seeks Vaishnaw's resignation

Rediff.com16 Feb 2025

Opposition parties in India have demanded the resignation of Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw after a stampede at New Delhi railway station killed 18 people. They blamed the government for "gross mismanagement" and accused them of "covering up" the death toll. The stampede occurred on Saturday night as passengers rushed to board trains for the Maha Kumbh festival in Prayagraj. The Congress, the Left, Trinamool Congress, and the Rashtriya Janata Dal have all criticized the government's handling of the situation, while BJP leaders have defended the government. The incident has highlighted the failure of the Railways and the government to make adequate arrangements for the large number of devotees travelling to Prayagraj.

Only vehicles with colour-coded stickers allowed on Mumbai roads

Only vehicles with colour-coded stickers allowed on Mumbai roads

Rediff.com18 Apr 2021

The red, green and yellow stickers that emergency and essential service vehicles need to sport as part of an initiative to curb traffic on Mumbai roads.

CBI takes over Kolkata doctor's rape-murder probe

CBI takes over Kolkata doctor's rape-murder probe

Rediff.com13 Aug 2024

The court directed the Kolkata Police to hand over the case diary to the central probe agency by Tuesday evening, and all other documents by 10 am on Wednesday.

10 Questions To Ask Your Gynaecologist Today

10 Questions To Ask Your Gynaecologist Today

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

Like men, women also suffer from low libido, skin problems like dry skin, and digestive distress, warns Dr Manisha Tomar.

Bahraich violence: Internet back, police warn against rumours

Bahraich violence: Internet back, police warn against rumours

Rediff.com17 Oct 2024

The violence broke out at Maharajganj under Mahsi tehsil on Sunday over the alleged playing of loud music outside a place of worship during a Durga Puja immersion procession, in which Ram Gopal Mishra (22) died of gunshot injuries.

Updated ITR: What You Must Know

Updated ITR: What You Must Know

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

'Once filed, it cannot be revised or rectified.'

Israel prepares for war with Iran

Israel prepares for war with Iran

Rediff.com6 Sep 2024

The war game held under the leadership of the Director General of the Ministry of Transportation and Road Safety, Moshe Ben Zaken, was attended by the Deputy Minister of Transportation, Rabbi Uri Makleb, the management of the National Authority for Public Transportation, representatives of the Home Front Command, chairmen and CEOs of all the public transportation companies, during which a photo was shown.

Unable To Fall Asleep? Try This...

Unable To Fall Asleep? Try This...

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

Dr Aarti Ullal lists remedies to help you improve the quality of your sleep.

Are Trump and Musk Dismantling American Democracy?

Are Trump and Musk Dismantling American Democracy?

Rediff.com22 Feb 2025

We the people are left in the wind, waiting on the whims of an unengaged president and an oligarch with a nearly bottomless wallet, observes Sree Sreenivasan.

Can Smoking Lead To Heart Attack?

Can Smoking Lead To Heart Attack?

Rediff.com17 Dec 2024

Dr Ashish Mishra, consultant interventional cardiologist, Wockhardt Hospitals, explains how smoking and alcohol can impair your heart health and lead to cardiac arrest.

99 And Seven Decimal Points

99 And Seven Decimal Points

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

'Does 99 percent guarantee character and capacity for an independent awareness of life or does it make you -- barring exceptions -- a compliant careerist beholden to governments and corporations?' 'What kind of political and social choices would such minds make?' asks Shyam G Menon.

USTR Report Intensifies Trade Tensions With India

USTR Report Intensifies Trade Tensions With India

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

The US Trade Representative noted that India's average applied tariff rate stood at 17% per cent, the highest of any major world economy.

'I Don't Care How Much It Costs. Please Save My Mum'

'I Don't Care How Much It Costs. Please Save My Mum'

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

'Doctors feel they have a duty to prolong a heartbeat at all costs.' 'And a son or a daughter feels, I can't let my mum die. I have to save her at all costs.' 'They think saving is just prolonging life. But the person suffers.'

'Putin Is A Liar'

'Putin Is A Liar'

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

'Putin dreams about his legacy. He wants to forcibly restore the Russian empire.' 'Unfortunately, after three years of large-scale war with massive human losses, Putin will not budge from his goal because human life is the cheapest resource in the Russian State.'

Disquieting Deeds Can't Wipe Out Work AAP Has Done

Disquieting Deeds Can't Wipe Out Work AAP Has Done

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

'A government whose policies are focused around making the life of ordinary citizens, specially the most deprived sections, richer; a government that prioritises education, health and transport, that doesn't treat its citizens as subjects who must come to it for everything, is rare in our country.' 'When such a government is thrown out, one is left stunned,' notes Jyoti Punwani.

Supreme Court allows claiming input tax credit on construction expenses

Supreme Court allows claiming input tax credit on construction expenses

Rediff.com5 Oct 2024

In a development that may encourage increased investment in commercial real estate, the Supreme Court on Thursday gave the industry relief by permitting input tax credit (ITC) on construction expenses for buildings meant to be leased. "If the construction of a building was essential for carrying out the activity of supplying services, such as renting or giving on lease or other transactions in respect of the building or a part thereof, which are covered by clauses (2) and (5) of Schedule II of the CGST (Central Goods and Services Tax) Act, the building could be held to be a plant," said Justice Abhay S Oka and Justice Sanjay Karol.

Mumbai allows home delivery of food, essentials 24x7 during curbs

Mumbai allows home delivery of food, essentials 24x7 during curbs

Rediff.com7 Apr 2021

The movement of maids, cooks, drivers, house help, nurses, and medical attendee providing service to senior citizens and ailing people at home will be allowed between 7 am and 10 pm on all days during the restrictions, including the weekend lockdowns.

Google Cloud's ambitious India plans

Google Cloud's ambitious India plans

Rediff.com6 Oct 2024

India is among the fastest-growing markets for Google in the cloud services segment, a senior executive has said, adding that the tech giant is looking to partner companies in their business transformation through its offerings. Google Cloud India is seeing an "increased adoption" of its offerings across segments from the public sector to small and medium businesses and from startups and digital-native companies, Google Cloud India vice president and country managing director Bikram Singh Bedi told PTI.

SC rules in favor of Delhi govt, gives control over services except police

SC rules in favor of Delhi govt, gives control over services except police

Rediff.com11 May 2023

Hearing the Centre versus the Delhi government over the issue of demarcation of power, a constitution bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud said an elected government needs to have control over the administration.

Odd-even scheme returns in Delhi from Nov 13-20; in-person classes suspended

Odd-even scheme returns in Delhi from Nov 13-20; in-person classes suspended

Rediff.com6 Nov 2023

With Delhi recording air pollution levels seven to eight times above safe standards on Monday, the city government announced the return of its flagship odd-even scheme after four years anticipating further deterioration of air quality post-Diwali.

Soon, daily essential items may cost up to 10% more

Soon, daily essential items may cost up to 10% more

Rediff.com20 Mar 2022

Besides, the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine has also added another blow to FMCG makers as they expect a rise in the prices of wheat, edible oil and crude. Companies such as Dabur and Parle are watching the situation and will undertake calibrated price increases to mitigate the inflationary pressures.

Decision on opening up Mumbai local trains for all next week: Mayor

Decision on opening up Mumbai local trains for all next week: Mayor

Rediff.com7 Jun 2021

The decision to allow general public to travel on Mumbai's local trains will be taken after a week, depending on the COVID-19 situation in the city, Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar said.

AI & automation to play a crucial role for retail industry in 2025

AI & automation to play a crucial role for retail industry in 2025

Rediff.com30 Dec 2024

With the rapid evolution of channels like quick-commerce and the emergence of ONDC, the Indian retail industry is 'cautiously optimistic' for 2025, in which new-age technologies such as AI and automation will play a crucial role, driving efficiency and personalisation.

Just 3,000 nods: Trai's whitelisting deadline may be pushed by 30 days

Just 3,000 nods: Trai's whitelisting deadline may be pushed by 30 days

Rediff.com27 Sep 2024

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) may extend the deadline to whitelist URLs (Uniform Resource Locators), APKs (Android Package Kit), or OTT (Over The Top) links - through which it intends to curb their misuse -is likely to be extended by 30 days as only over 3,000 registered senders (businesses) have complied, officials indicated. According to Trai officials, over 3,000 registered senders have whitelisted more than 70,000 links, but many more (thousands of others) are yet to comply with the directive as the mandatory norms are set to come into effect from October 1.

5 Natural Tips To Keep Winter Problems Away

5 Natural Tips To Keep Winter Problems Away

Rediff.com21 Jan 2025

These simple home remedies aim to improve your overall health and keep your skin glowing, hair healthy and body pain-free no matter how cold it gets, says Smita Naram, co-founder, Ayushakti.

Budget 2025: What realtors want from Nirmala Sitharaman

Budget 2025: What realtors want from Nirmala Sitharaman

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

As the Union Budget 2025-2026 (FY26) inches closer, the Indian real estate industry is seeking stamp duty cuts, revised home loan limits and updated affordable housing norms through Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna (PMAY), single-window clearance and eco-friendly policies, among others. Industry leaders and consultancy firms, including Anarock, Raheja, Gaurs, Kanodia Group, Reach, Urban Space, Justo and Eros Group, have shared their expectations.

Jalna protest: Maha govt invites Maratha leader for talks

Jalna protest: Maha govt invites Maratha leader for talks

Rediff.com4 Sep 2023

As violence broke out, police baton-charged the protesters and lobbed tear gas shells to disperse them. Several persons, including 40 police personnel, were injured and more than 15 state transport buses were set ablaze. More than 360 persons were booked in connection with the violence, police said.

Bengal junior docs threaten hunger strike, give govt 24-hr deadline

Bengal junior docs threaten hunger strike, give govt 24-hr deadline

Rediff.com5 Oct 2024

The junior doctors called off their 'total cease work' at state-run medical colleges and hospitals around 8.30 pm on Friday but threatened to launch a hunger strike till death if their demands were not met by the West Bengal government within 24 hours.

Money laundering a big threat to online gaming and digital economy: Report

Money laundering a big threat to online gaming and digital economy: Report

Rediff.com24 Oct 2024

The fast-growing Indian online gaming sector is facing a significant threat from money laundering, necessitating urgent steps to ensure its sustained success and protect the country's robust digital economy, a report said on Thursday. The essential measures outlined in a report by the Digital India Foundation include forming a dedicated task force for illegal operators, creating a whitelist of legal operators, combating misleading advertisements, and incorporating principles of financial integrity and international cooperation.

Tackling Heatwaves In Cities

Tackling Heatwaves In Cities

Rediff.com26 Jun 2024

As Singapore, New York and Melbourne have shown, cities can mitigate the impact of heatwaves if they have the will to create green infrastructure, explain Amit Kapoor & Bibek Debroy.

GST To See Two Slab Rate Structure?

GST To See Two Slab Rate Structure?

Rediff.com7 Aug 2024

Of the two rate structures on the table, one suggests tax slabs of 8 per cent, 16 per cent, and 24 per cent. The other proposes tax slabs at 9 per cent, 18 per cent, and 27 per cent.